BOYS PROGRAMS
As the youth affiliate of the Charlotte Independence USL League One team, we have a direct pathway to the pros for our boys and men. In addition to the professional team, we support our very own USL League Two team, made up of current and former players who are in the midst their collegiate playing careers. Be sure to come out to support these men! Jump to prospective player form.
Explore our competitive youth programs below and stay connected with us on social media for announcements and important dates throughout the year!
GET TO KNOW OUR COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS
STATE
The State Teams are for the competitive player in the U11-U19 age groups. Teams are selected based on age group and location.
BOYS ID SESSIONS
More ID Session Dates Coming Soon.
BOYS ID SESSIONS REGIONAL ACADEMY
North, South, & Matthews (U13 - U19 Boys, Birth 2013-2007).
INTERNAL & EXTERNAL PLAYERS
NATIONAL AND REGIONAL
We're excited to be a part of the MLS NEXT top tier and MLS NEXT new tier and excited to contribute to the growth and development of young athletes starting in the 2025 Fall season!
ABOUT MLS NEXT
Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for youth player development in North America. With a commitment to innovation and providing access and representation, MLS NEXT players receive the best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both in soccer and in life.
The NEXT Generation
Membership for the 2024-25 season includes 29 MLS academies, 122 Elite Academies (151 total clubs), 753 teams and over 16,000 players across the U.S. and Canada.
MLS NEXT FAQs
What is MLS Next?
MLS Next is a premier youth soccer league in North America, operated by Major League Soccer (MLS). It serves as a pathway for talented players to develop their skills, with the potential to progress into MLS academies and professional soccer careers.
Why are we joining MLS Next?
By joining MLS Next, we’re providing our players with the highest level of competition, development, and exposure. This aligns with our club’s mission to develop young talent and offer them the best possible opportunities to succeed in soccer.
What age groups will compete in MLS Next?
MLS Next features teams across various age groups, ranging from U13 to U19. We will have teams in all 6 of these age groups at every level of our MLS pathway.
How does MLS Next differ from other leagues?
MLS Next is unique in its structure and development focus. It provides a professional-level environment for young players, with access to world-class coaching, facilities, and exposure to MLS scouts. The league prioritizes long-term player development over short-term results, ensuring players are ready for the next stage in their careers.
What are the benefits for players in MLS Next?
Elite competition: Players will compete against some of the best youth teams in North America.
College and professional exposure: Players gain access to college scouts and MLS academy scouts.
Advanced development programs: Access to top-tier coaching, training, and facilities to maximize player potential.
Pathway to professional soccer: MLS Next provides a clear pathway for players to progress into MLS academies or even professional teams
Will the club still offer other leagues or programs in addition to MLS Next?
Yes, we will continue to offer programs for players who are not part of MLS Next. Our club remains dedicated to developing players at all levels and providing opportunities for those who are on different development paths.
Will there be more travel for MLS Next teams?
Travel in the MLS varies among programs. We anticipate that our National Academies will travel in the Mid Atlantic and our Regional Academies will travel in the Carolinas.
How will this affect my child’s current team or competition level?
Joining MLS Next means your child will be competing at a higher level. They will face players with similar skills and potential, which will challenge them to elevate their game. We believe this is a positive step for their growth as soccer players.
Do players need to be recruited to join an MLS Next team?
While some players may be recruited based on their skill level, we will also hold tryouts for players interested in joining our MLS Next teams. Players will be evaluated on their technical, tactical, physical, and mental attributes to ensure they are ready for the league.
What can players expect with game schedules?
Players at every level of MLS Next will play a competitive schedule in league play along with several showcase events throughout the year. The soccer year ends with league playoffs at every level.
BOYS TEAMS & STAFF 2025-26
More Information regarding team names and coaches for the 2025-26 season is coming soon.
COLLEGE RECRUITING
The College Recruiting Process is different for every player. This guide is to help aid players and parents as they navigate College Recruitment starting as a High School Freshman. This is an evolving process that requires players and families to be proactive as the search for the best college fit.
Playing College Soccer, things to consider: Academics, Athletics, Social, and Financial considerations.
THE INDEPENDENCE WAY
CHARACTER
COMMITMENT
COMMUNICATION
COMPETITION
COMMUNITY
PURPOSE
Our purpose is to develop leadership, accountability, selflessness, humility and character. We challenge our players to respect the game by respecting themselves, the referee, the opponent and the coach. We strive to develop players in an environment that encourages individual expression, as well as responsibility to the team. We dare our players to take risks, play on the front foot, and to embrace challenges. Our players must play with personality and bravery.
We develop the person first…then the player.
IDENTITY
Our players and teams should reflect a passion, hunger & desire to succeed on the field. Our players want to support and play for our team with mutual respect & competitiveness.
When we do not have the ball, we should be
hard working
to win the ball back. When we have the ball, we should be positive,
forward thinking &
aggressive with the ball. We have a
purpose to our play
where we increase our chances of scoring through each possession. Our players will
pass forwards and run forwards.
Our players will be allowed to display their individual soccer personalities and to express themselves as we learn to play for fun, for the love of the game and with the competitive nature that comes from rigorous competition on the soccer field.
Energy in everything that we do.
Interested in playing for our USL League Two team?
Interested players may complete a prospective player questionnaire.
For any additional information about the team, please reach out to Nick Fusco.
RESOURCES
Book your Hotels
Visit our travel information center with T2C Sports to view your hotel booking options for league play and event accommodations.
